Joshua Okoh, a suspected kidnapper has narrated how he became a millionaire while engaging in kidnappings.
Okoh made the confession when he was paraded by Police in Asaba, Delta State.
The suspect said he was planning to open a private business when he was caught by the police.
He said, “Kidnapping is like a business to me. Lack of job and bad
economy forced me into crime. I chose kidnapping because that is what I
can do best. Now I am in trouble; but since I started this business,
I’ve never killed anybody.
“What me and other gang members did was to just collect the ransom
and let the person (victim) go. We did pity them, but we did not have
any other option.”
“I have carried out about five successful kidnappings and my share
ran into millions of naira. I bought cars with the money and proposed to
establish a business before this arrest.
“It is not as if we liked the job, but we were forced into crime by
rich leaders and brothers who do not help, but would rather exhibit
wealth in your presence.”
“It will interest you to know that most people who are victims of
kidnapping are set up by their own brothers and sisters who they refused
to help, just like this one that led to our arrest. It was initiated by
a brother of the woman she may have refused to assist.”
Okoh was arrested alongside Anthony Oren, (alleged to be the
vigilante boss of Orhakpo community in Ughelli North Local Government);
ThankGod Okeperhie and Clement Efanyobera.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim said the suspects confessed to the crime.
He said they were arrested in connection with the abduction of a housewife, Mrs. Judith Osayande, in Warri.
Ibrahim said N1.8m of the N3m ransom has been recovered with the
victim’s Toyota Camry with number plate BEN 825JA, two guns, 13 live
cartridges, and one Honda Accord belonging to the suspect.